His children Stephen, Hilary, Melissa and Joshua were among around 30 close relatives who attended the service conducted by the Speaker of the House of Commons' Chaplain Rose Hudson-Wilkin in the crypt chapel.

The chapel has been also been briefly opened up to MPs, peers and passholders to allow them to pay their respects ahead of tomorrow's funeral.

Mr Benn's funeral will take place tomorrow at 11am opposite parliament at St Margaret's Church after his coffin is taken by hearse from the gates of New Palace Yard, with family members following on foot.